Sustainable Architecture Takes On Urban Agriculture

Sustainable Architecture Takes On Urban Agriculture

Architects are coming up with some innovative ways to make sustainable buildings. Many of these sustainable projects are still in the concept phase. Among them, two proposed projects recently caught our eye as both aspire to integrate large areas for farming in urban settings.

Belgian architect Vincent Callebaut designed a 132-floor urban farm concept for Roosevelt Island in New York City. The proposed “Dragonfly” development would rely on solar and wind power, and includes production facilities for meat and dairy products, in addition to sprawling orchards, meadows, and fields supplemented by offices and residential space.Callebaut’s concept is ambitious, and has yet to secure investors. However, Dragonfly shares a sustainable blueprint that is growing in popularity overseas on a smaller scale. Tokyo’s Pasona Urban Farm is a modest nine-story office building that affords employees the opportunity to grow their own food in specially designated areas.

Though the two concepts seem dissimilar, both endeavor to blend striking architectural design with environmental interests in two of the America’s largest cities. The pursuit of functional buildings that aid in energy and food production are quickly becoming the norm as designers are more willing to push eco-friendly concepts to great lengths. We expect to see even more radical ideas and designs in the coming years. Still, the question remains as to when and where these ideas will become a reality.